The College of San Mateo chemistry major prepares students to transfer to four-year institutions for continued study in the field. While an A.S. degree may be sufficient for an individual to secure employment as an environmental technician, laboratory technician, safety manager, sanitarian, or water-quality analyst, most careers in the field require a bachelor's or advanced degree. Those careers include analytical chemist, biochemist, biotechnologist, dentist, educator, forensic specialist, environmental/industrial health engineer, pharmacist, physician, research chemist, and veterinarian.

About two-thirds of all chemists work for manufacturing firms. Chemists are also employed with federal, state, and local governments, such as the departments of Defense, Health and Human Resources, and Agriculture. Some chemists work for research organizations and educational institutions.